Given recent events, I’ve found myself watching from afar and wondering if we migrants (immigrants and emigrants) will ever be free of national accountability. Will there come a time when we won’t be called on to explain the actions (“right”, … Continue reading →

We like to joke that, “The best part of living in Europe is: you’re close to the rest of Europe.” That’s our cute little, hopelessly self-absorbed, First World privilege way of saying “we love to travel. Ask us where we’ve … Continue reading →

For expats knowing where (and what) “home” is can be difficult. For many of us, we’re not really “locals” yet, but we aren’t really part of that place we came from anymore either. We’ve moved on. It/they have moved on. … Continue reading →

Please recognize in advance that everything in this post is my opinion, and any “wisdom” is based solely on my lived experience. No experts were consulted, no “facts” are involved, and your mileage will definitely vary. Well, now that the … Continue reading →

One of the first things that expats have to adjust to in their new home is the local outlook towards renting and property ownership. In the U.S. if you don’t own, or aspire to own at some point, you are … Continue reading →

As adults we rarely get the chance for a “do over”. When you move overseas, you are, to a greater or lesser extent, given the chance to change who you are. You can try on different masks, and be someone … Continue reading →

Hi All, This is just a quick note to let you know that the aforementioned site migration appears to be complete. There are still a few kinks to work out. But basically things have been moved where I want them, … Continue reading →

Sorry for the technical post everyone, but I wanted to let you know that in the next few days/weeks I’ll be moving the blog over to a new self-hosted WordPress platform ( through WordPress.org instead of .com). If things go … Continue reading →

I am moved, even haunted, by water. For me, the sea, lakes, rivers, canals, and streams have always had a special, almost mystical, pull. I am an infrequent sailor, an abysmal paddler, and a romantic wannabe live-aboarder. My life is … Continue reading →

For anyone traveling overseas, speaking the local language is not just useful, but may well save his or her life. For expats and immigrants, threading the needle of “becoming a local” (if that’s even possible) involves picking up not just … Continue reading →